Overview - Tests, Procedures & Treatments

Cardiac tests, procedures and treatments

If you have signs or symptoms of heart disease, your doctor will order tests to diagnose your condition and determine the right treatment plan for you. Your treatment could include lifestyle changes, minor procedures or heart surgery.

What are tests?

Tests help your doctor to diagnose your heart condition. They can involve analysing a sample of your blood, recording your heart rate while you exercise, and measuring the pulses that trigger your heartbeat. Tests determine how well your heart is pumping, if there is a problem with your heart rate or rhythm, if your symptoms are related to heart disease and the general state of your health.

The results of your tests help your doctor to provide you with an appropriate treatment plan. Most of the time, you’ll need more than one type of test to accurately diagnose your condition. Tests are also performed if you’ve already experienced a heart condition or surgery and require follow-up care to see how well your heart is recovering.

What are imaging tests?

Imaging is a form of testing that uses medical technology to create images of your body parts and internal organs using X-rays, ultrasounds and magnetic resonance.

If your doctor thinks you may have heart disease, imaging tests will help to diagnose your condition. Imaging can also be used to check how well you are recovering from heart surgery or a recent procedure.

What are procedures and treatments?

If you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease, you may need one or more procedures and treatments. Procedures and treatments range from diet and lifestyle changes to open heart surgery. Often, surgery is needed to repair problems such as blockages and holes, and attach devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators.

Procedures and treatments aim to reduce your signs and symptoms, stop your heart condition from becoming any worse, help your heart rate return to normal, and enable you to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Your doctor will recommend the most suitable treatment plan for you after conducting tests, reviewing your results and diagnosing your condition.